When Haruhi sees Kyon wrestling with Mikuru over a computer mouse, she becomes jealous and creates an alternate reality (a closed space) in which she and Kyon are the only inhabitants. This becomes a threat, as the new world would possibly replace the old world. By kissing her, using clues from Yuki and a future Mikuru, Kyon convinces Haruhi to bring the old world back.

This episode was broadcasted as episode 14 of Season 1, and episode 6 of Season 2.

The world that Kyon and Haruhi return to wasn't specifically told if it was the new or old world. There is a possibility that it is the new world because Itsuki mentions that they can't discount the possibility that this world was newly created the night before, and he feels privileged to meet Kyon and Haruhi once again. But also, Nagato mentions that Kyon and Haruhi disappeared from their world for two and a half hours. Although, the most likely answer is that the world they returned to is the old world.

The music that plays during the climax of this episode is from the first part ("Veni, Creator Spiritus") of Gustav Mahler'sSymphony No. 8. The symphony in its entirety links a Latin hymn (the aforementioned "Veni, Creator Spiritus", or "Come, Creator Spirit") and a setting of the closing words of Goethe's Faust. Both parts share a common theme, redemption through the power of love, which fits with the events of this episode. Additionally, the words "Veni, Veni creator spiritus" ("Come, Come creator spirit") are sung at the exact moment of the kiss.